Naegleria fowler, also known as brain-eating amoeba is a thermophilic microorganism that causes primary amoebic encephalitis (PAM) having >98% mortality rate. To date, there are no specific drugs identified to treat this disease. N. fowleri expresses only one form of hexokinase i.e. glucokinase (nGLK) unlike humans that express four isozymes of hexokinase including glucokinase (hexokinase IV) or hGLK that is critical for the first step of glycolysis. Until now, there have not been many studies on glucokinase as a drug target to treat PAM, hence, this study provides an exhaustive analysis of this relatively novel drug target. Thus, it was hypothesized that amoebic glucokinase can arrest carbohydrate metabolism and assist regulating its virulence. To find suitable antagonists to inhibit the activity of nGLK, we first tested the present recommended drugs by the CDC on their ability to bind nGLK. Interestingly our studies show that many of the present recommended drugs can inhibit both amoebic (nGLK) and human (hGLK) homologs of glucokinase. We identified new inhibitors for nGLK and further explored suitable hGLK antagonists for the potential treatment of diabetes. Despite significant structural differences between nGLK and hGLK, it was interesting to note that all our screened inhibitors bound with both nGLK and hGLK. Levomefolic acid; Ziprasidone; and Risperidone were found to be more suited to treat PAM while, Simeprevir; Indacaterol; Crizotinib and Mocetinostat were found to be suited for treating diabetes. The selections were based on multiple criteria including binding affinity; ADME scores; absorption; and its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. This study identifies multiple drugs that have potential not only to treat PAM but also to treat diabetes and also use for lab based biochemical assays for glycolysis inhibitors.

A demagnetization study was conducted on a magnetically shielded room (MSR) at Fraunhofer IPM, designed for applications such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and materials testing. With a composite of two layers of mu-metal and an intermediate aluminum layer, the MSR must provide a residual field under 5 nT for the successful operation of optically pumped magnetometers (OPM). The degaussing process, employing six individual coils, reached the necessary residual magnetic field within the central 1 m3 volume in under four minutes. Due to the low frequency shielding factor of 100, the obtained average residual field is shown to be limited by environmental residual field changes after degaussing and not by the degaussing procedure.

An isolated system always evolves according to unitary evolution and maintain coherence. However the system inevitably interacts with the environment, information about the relative phases between the quantum states leaks into the environment and becomes delocalized, known as environment-induced decoherence. Here we consider the gravitational decoherence of a quantum system near the event horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole. We show that the gravitational decoherence is non-Markovian, which is consistent with information conservation and the Pagecurve-like entanglement dynamics. Moreover, taking the point of view that information on the collapsed matter is stored as the quantum fluctuation of the horizon, the horizon can be regarded as an “uncertain” quantum object instead of random fluctuations of graviton noise. Now the Hawking radiation bath plays the role of the environment, leading to the decoherence of the horizon. Therefore, information about the location of the horizon, or equivalently information about the collapsed matter, is carried away by the Hawking radiation. The memory time of the non-Markovian process and the Page time are estimated.

The text addresses the concept of sports, Sports Law, and Brazilian legislation related to this field. Sports are defined as institutionalized competitive activities involving physical effort or complex motor skills, motivated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Sports Law is a specialized area of law that deals with the specificities of the sports universe, regulated by national and international associations. The fundamental principles of Sports Law are presented as guidelines to ensure transparency and ethics in sports relations, including sports autonomy, legality, equality, sports integrity, and the protection of athletes' health. Brazilian legislation regarding Sports Law is represented by Law 9615/98, which establishes the general provisions and principles governing sports in the country. The Fan Statute, enacted in 2003, extends sports regulation, covering aspects related to the relationship between fans, clubs, and the authorities responsible for sporting events. These laws are essential for promoting transparency and integrity in sports practices, as well as improving safety at events by enabling the identification and accountability of organized supporters for violations committed. In summary, the text addresses the concept of sports, Sports Law, its principles, and the Brazilian legislation governing this field, emphasizing its importance in promoting transparency and integrity in sports.

A pyridine-fused triazapentalene shows weak fluorescence in solution, and is readily accessible via nitrene-mediated cyclization. In this research, a modified Cadogan reaction was used to synthesize HetATAP1. Palladium-catalyzed reactions have been demonstrated as post-functionalization methods. Interestingly, Suzuki cross-coupling with various boronic acids resulted in poor to moderate yields of the products HetATAP2-5 arylated on the azole moiety. Direct CH arylation of HetATAP1 gave the products with the same regiochemistry in satisfactory yields. The structures of HetATAP2-5 were confirmed using NMR analysis. In addition, the fluorescence properties of HetATAP2-5 were studied in the solid-state and solution at room temperature, and the photophysical properties of HetATAP3 and 4 in the aggregated state were both measured in ACN/water and THF/water mixtures, respectively.

This systematic review assessed the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) in equestrian athletes (EA), using PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies published between 2004 and 2024 in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German were included. The review identified relevant studies through EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS (last search 30 August 2024), yielding 14 studies with a total of 4,527 participants. PEO of included studies: population comprised EA, exposure was equestrian sports (ES), and the outcome was LBP. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Observation Study Quality Evaluation tool, and six studies were deemed high-quality. LBP prevalence in EA was higher than in the general and athlete population, with point prevalence ranging from 27.9% to 87.9%. Sport-specific factors, including workload and stable duties, were significant risk factors. Methodological inconsistencies, such as varying definitions of LBP and a lack of standardized exposure assessment, and overall low quality of studies, limited the comparability of findings. This review underscores the need for more high-quality research and tailored interventions addressing both riding and off-horse activities in EA. The review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024568577), and the study was funded by the Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Évora University.

Groundwater is the most important source of drinking water in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. However, the quality of this crucial element of life is deteriorating day by day throughout Pakistan, particularly in its Sindh province. Thus the study was carried out to determine the chemical contamination in the groundwater of the Larkana city of Sindh province. A total of 40 samples were collected randomly from various locations in Larkana city. The chemical parameters like pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Total hardness (TH), Arsenic, Chloride, Sodium, Iron, Nitrites, and Nitrates were determined in the laboratory and were compared with WHO permissible limits. The results revealed that 26% of samples had chloride beyond the permissible limit, and 32% of samples had a concentration of Total Hardness (TH) above the desirable limits. Moreover, 6%, 23%, 29%, 92%, and 80%, of samples had a concentration of Nitrates, Nitrites, Sulfate, calcium, and magnesium respectively beyond the permissible limit. However, the concentration of pH, Iron, Sodium, and Arsenic in groundwater was found within the permissible limit.

Water is the most important source of life. However, due to various anthropogenic activities, water is no longer pure and drinkable. Pakistan is a country that is facing an acute shortage of safe water, and safe water drinking resources in Sindh, which is the second largest province of Pakistan, are depleting day by day. Therefore, a research study was carried out to determine the Physico- Biological properties of groundwater of Larkana city of Sindh province of Pakistan, where groundwater is the only source of drinking. For this purpose, a total of 40 samples were randomly collected from various locations in Larkana city, and the Physico-Biological parameters like Color, Odor, Taste, Turbidity, Total Solids (TS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Fecal Coliform and E-Coli were determined in the laboratory and were compared with WHO permissible limits. The results revealed that all of the samples were colorless with no turbidity, but 20% of the samples had having odor of sewage water. Moreover, 20% of samples had having slightly bitter taste, particularly the samples collected from Ahsan Colony, Sachal Colony, and QUEST hostel. Moreover, 92% of samples had values of Total Solids and EC beyond permissible limits. Further, most of the samples were found to have no presence of E. coli, but 8% of samples were found to have faecal Coliform present.

Swine influenza A viruses (IAVsw) are important causes of disease in pigs but also constitute a public health risk. IAVsw strains show remarkable differences in pathogenicity. We aimed to generate airway organoids from the porcine lower respiratory tract and use these to establish well-differentiated airway epithelial cell (WD-AEC) cultures grown at air-liquid interface (ALI) for in vitro screening of IAVsw strain virulence. Epithelial cells were isolated from bronchus tissue of juvenile pigs, and airway organoids were cultured in extracellular matrix in medium with human growth factors. Single cell suspensions of these 3D organoids were seeded on transwell filters and differentiated at ALI to form a pseudostratified epithelium containing ciliated cells, mucus-producing cells and tight junctions. Inoculation with a low dose of IAVsw in a low volume inoculum resulted in virus replication without requiring addition of trypsin, and was quantified by detection of viral genome loads in apical washes. Interestingly, inoculation of an H3N2 strain known to cause severe disease in pigs induced greater reduction in trans-epithelial resistance and more damage to tight junctions than H1N2 or H1N1 strains associated with mild disease in pigs. We conclude that the porcine WD-AEC model is useful to assess the virulence of IAVsw strains.

Background: Studies on infectious endocarditis (IE) are mostly limited to institutions, which highlights the need for more comprehensive epidemiological studies. Objective: To verify the profile of deaths due IE and the relationship with deaths from other causes and conditions in Brazil and regions. Method: Study in database from the Brazilian Mortality Information System, from 2000 to 2019. Mentions of deaths due to IE, other causes and conditions were identified according to ICD-10. Cluster analysis was performed to verify the relationship between variables. Results: 52,055 deaths from IE were found, with a predominance of males, aged 60 to 79 years, in the Southeast, with deaths from the circulatory system most frequent. Three profiles were identified: 1 - age equal to or greater than 80 years, women, deaths due endocrine, circulatory and metabolic diseases, in the South and Southeast; 2 - also in the South and Southeast, age between 30 and 79 years, men, deaths due infectious and genitourinary diseases; 3 - 0 to 29 years, no genders differences, deaths due diseases of the respiratory system, in the North, Northeast and Central-West. Conclusion: Cluster analysis showed diversity in the profiles of deaths due IE, indicating heterogeneity in regions of the country.

Urinary tract infections are one of the main complications in kidney transplant patients, with a significant impact on graft function and survival. In fact, it is estimated that up to 74% of kidney transplant patients experience at least one episode of UTIs in the first year after transplantation, with an increased risk of graft loss and an increased risk of mortality. Several risk factors have been identified, such as female gender, old age, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, pre-transplant UTIs, urinary tract abnormalities and prolonged dialysis. The worsening burden of antimicrobial resistance is also in itself a risk factor and a major complication in evolution and management. The management of prophylaxis, asymptomatic bacteriuria, UTIs and UTIs are still an open challenge with some points to be clarified. Faced with such scenarios, our review aimed to evaluate the current epidemiology, to examine the risk factors and to consider all the possibilities and methods of management, giving a current view and evaluation of the topic.

The invasion of the golden mussel has resulted in considerable environmental and socioeconomic alterations, which present a considerable threat to the native biodiversity and sustainability of the region. It is of the utmost importance to gain an understanding of the distribution and biological characteristics of this Asian mussel, as well as its interaction with human activities, in order to develop effective strategies for mitigating and preventing its further spread. This study examines the dispersal route and incidence of golden mussels, tracing their movement from initial populations in Argentina to their arrival in the São Francisco River Basin (SFR). The presence of the mussel was confirmed through an integrative assessment, which included shell taxonomic analyses and mitochondrial DNA signatures. This identified populations located 7.5 km from the river's mouth, in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, in areas such as shrimp farms, artisanal ports, and marinas. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed the presence of South American-specific and shared ancestral haplotypes in the SFR, Grande River, and Argentina. These findings indicate that intracontinental colonisation towards the northeast of South America originated from Asian populations that entered South America via Argentina. The absence of Asian-specific signatures in the RSF, combined with its geomorphological structure, which is unsuitable for large ports or transoceanic vessels, supports the hypothesis of intercontinental dispersal of Limnoperna fortunei.

A method for the synthesis of C4-benzhydryl functionalized 3,4-dihydropyridin-2-ones using complementary addition of benzhydryllithium and/or benzhydrylmagnesiate reagents to 2-pyridones, with high regioselectivity triggered by substituents, is described. A partially stereoselective cyclization was successfully demonstrated using TfOH and/or TIPSOTf as Brønsted and Lewis acids, respectively, leading to C6-phenyl functionalized 7,8-benzomorphanones. It is also shown that the use of functionalized -enelactams obtained with an active methoxy-substituted benzyl group at C3, enabled the preparation of a new C3-C6 bridged system within -lactam framework.

To better cope with stress in emergencies, emergency personnel undergo virtual reality (VR) stress trainings. Such trainings typically include visual, auditory and sometimes tactile impressions, whereas olfactory stimuli are mostly neglected. This concept paper therefore examines whether odors might be beneficial for further enhancing the experience of presence and immersion into a simulated environment. The aim is to demonstrate the benefits of VR civilian stress trainings for emergency personnel and to investigate the role of odors as stressors by manipulating the degree of perceived psychophysiological stress via olfactory impressions. Moreover, the current paper presents the development and validation of a convenient and portable fragrance dosing system that allows personalized odor presentation in VR. The presented system can transport reproducible small quantities of an air-fragrance mixture close to the human nose using piezoelectric stainless steel micropumps. The results of the fluidic system validation indicate that the micropump is suitable to release odors close to the nose with constant amounts of odor presentation. Furthermore, the theoretical background and the planned experimental design of VR stress training including odor presentation via olfactory VR technology is elucidated.

Background and aims: Obesity has been related to increased disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), but this association might vary depending on the composite index chosen to assess disease activity. We aim to check that possibility. Methods: Three hundred and thirty consecutive patients were recruited from the monographic axSpA unit of a university center. To assess disease activity, BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP measurements were collected. The factors associated with the different disease activity thresholds of these instruments were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The study included 127 women and 203 men, mean age 47.6 (SD 12.9) years, median disease duration 8 years [IQR: 4-16], and 63% on biologic therapies. Most patients met therapeutic goals with a BASDAI < 4 in 187 (56.7%) and ASDAS inactive/low category in 182 (55.2%). Being male was associated with BASDAI remission (OR 2.63), but smoking reduced this likelihood (OR 0.28). Similar findings were found for ASDAS inactive disease (male: OR 2.09; smoking: OR 0.39). The variables associated with BASDAI ≥ 4 in the multivariate logistic model were male (OR 0.36), age (OR 1.02), smoking (OR 2.39), and obesity (OR 2.94), whereas associations with active/very active ASDAS categories were male (OR 0.49), age (OR 1.02), and smoking (OR 2.34). However, obesity was not associated with these higher ASDAS categories (p = 0.183). Conclusions: While the association between smoking and increased disease activity was consistent across all composite activity indices, the obesity-activity relationship was only apparent through the BASDAI.

The critical role of manufacturing operations in enhancing the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has become increasingly evident in recent years. This systematic review examines how manufacturing operations influence the performance of SMEs, analysing findings from 69 diverse research papers published between 2014 and 2024. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the review focuses on key operational strategies, including lean manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies, assessing their effectiveness in improving business outcomes such as efficiency, productivity, and financial performance. The methodology included a thorough review of the research methods used in the studies, identifying potential biases, gaps, and highlighting the need for diverse approaches. While manufacturing operations have led to improved productivity and increased efficiency for many SMEs, challenges such as limited resources, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change remain prevalent. Notably, a reporting bias was observed, with 48% of the literature composed of quantitative studies, 30% being mixed-method studies, and only 20% and 1% representing qualitative and exploratory studies, respectively. This imbalance suggests an overemphasis on quantitative methods, limiting the range of ideas and understanding available. Key strategies such as lean manufacturing and advanced technologies were shown to enhance productivity by 15% to 25% in SMEs. By adopting a broad approach, this review ensures that the findings are applicable across various sectors and geographies, offering valuable insights into best practices and challenges across diverse economic contexts. The broad scope also allows for the identification of under-researched areas, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of how manufacturing operations contribute to SME success. The review provides a decision-making framework for business leaders and policy recommendations to foster SME growth in a competitive, globalized market.

Background and clinical significance: Guyon's canal syndrome is a pathological condition caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the wrist. It is less frequent than other compression syndromes of the upper limb (cubital and carpal tunnel), and different causative agents, including vascular lesions, are described. Among these, aneurysm of the ulnar artery is described in the literature as an infrequent aetiology. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old young man with Guyon's canal syndrome caused by an aneurysm of the ulnar artery, who underwent surgical decompression of the Guyon's canal without intervening on the aneurysm. The postoperative course was free of complications, and the patient reported satisfaction, with reduced symptoms. Clinical examination and ultrasound imaging showed mass reduction of the aneurysm in the postoperative period, which appears to be an evolution hitherto undocumented in the literature. Conclusions: Many treatments are available for Guyon's canal syndrome. Past medical and surgical treatments, duration and severity of symptoms, causes, and pathogenesis are important for the therapeutic choice. Surgical treatment based on ligament section and lysis of the Guyon's canal downstream, without any action on the aneurysm and with ulnar artery preservation, determined a reduction in terms of volume, relief of the symptoms, and patient satisfaction. With this case we describe a surgical therapeutic option for the treatment of Guyon's canal syndrome caused by an aneurysm of the ulnar artery, in which surgery is limited to canal decompression and consequential aneurism mass reduction with concomitant relief of symptoms.

An innovative approach is utilized in this paper to solve the Fractional Fokker–Planck–Levy (FFPL) equation. A hybrid technique is designed by combining the finite difference method (FDM), Adams numerical technique, and physics-informed neural network (PINN) architecture, namely, the FDM-APINN, to solve the fractional Fokker‒Planck‒Levy (FFPL) equation numerically. Two scenarios of the FFPL equation are considered by varying the value of α (i.e., 1.75,1.85). Moreover, three cases of each scenario are numerically studied for different discretized domains with 100,200 and 500 points in x∈[-1,1] and t∈[0,1]. For the FFPL equation, solutions are obtained via the FDM-APINN technique via 1000,2000, and 5000 iterations. The errors, loss function graphs, and statistical tables are presented to validate our claim that the FDM-APINN is a better alternative intelligent technique for handling fractional-order partial differential equations with complex terms. FDM-APINN can be extended by using nongradient-based bioinspired computing for higher-order fractional partial differential equations.

The decline of conventional oil reserves in Nigeria's Niger Delta region necessitates the exploration of alternative heavy oil recovery methods, particularly given that heavy oil constitutes nearly 20% of the region's estimated crude oil reserves. This study investigates the optimization of enhanced heavy oil recovery through the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and innovative hot chemical flooding techniques. The experimental phase involved the development of a novel chemical mix comprising dissolved liquid soap, scent leaf extract, bitter leaf extract, palm frond ash, xanthan gum, dry gin, and a unique alkali-surfactant mixture (DG + DPFA). These chemicals were tested at varying injection temperatures, and their respective recovery efficiencies were evaluated. For the ANN model development, key reservoir and operational parameters—porosity, permeability, oil specific gravity, and injection temperature—were utilized as input layers, with three hidden layers and one output layer representing the recovery efficiency. The ANN model successfully correlated the input parameters to recovery efficiencies, providing a robust prediction framework for enhanced heavy oil recovery. Software simulations conducted in parallel with the experimental work offered insights into future recovery potential and anticipated water cut profiles. Furthermore, the study presented mathematical correlations for each chemical flooding process, linking the input variables to recovery efficiency. The integration of ANN modelling and experimental validation establishes a comprehensive methodology for optimizing heavy oil recovery in the Niger Delta, suggesting that upstream companies should consider adopting hot chemical flooding strategies to enhance production rates and economic returns. These findings underscore the importance of leveraging advanced technologies and local resources to address the challenges of heavy oil recovery in declining conventional reservoirs.

Abstract: Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a group of disorders, in which the immune system attacks the body own tissues leading to chronic inflammation and organ damage. These diseases are difficult to treat due to variability in drug PK among individuals, patient responses to treatment, and the side effects of long-term immunosuppressive therapies. In recent years, pharmacometrics has emerged as a critical tool in Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) and precision medicine. The aim of this review is to explore the diverse roles that pharmacometrics has played in addressing the challenges associated with DDD and personalized therapies in the treatment of AIDs. Methods: The review synthesizes research from past two decades on pharmacometric methodologies, including Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, Pharmaco-kinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, Disease Progression (DisP) modeling, population modeling, and Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP). The incorporation of Artificial Intelli-gence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into pharmacometrics is also discussed. Results: Pharmacometrics has demonstrated significant potential in optimizing dosing regimens, improving drug safety, and predicting patient-specific responses in AIDs. PBPK and PK/PD models have been instrumental in personalizing treatments, while DisP and QSP models provide insights into disease evolution and pathophysiological mechanisms in AIDs. AI/ML implementation has further enhanced precision of these models. Conclusions: Pharmacometrics plays a crucial role in bridging preclinical findings and clinical applications, driving more personalized and effective treatments for AIDs. Its integration into DDD and translational science in combination with AI and ML algorithms holds promise for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving autoimmune patient outcomes.

Until now, Z-form RNAs were believed to only adopt a left-handed double helix structure. In this study, we describe the first observation of a right-handed Z-form RNA in NMR solution formed by L-nucleic acid RNA and present the first resolution structure of the complex between a right-handed Z-form RNA and a curaxin ligand. This newly described topology is of great interest as it shows that Z-form RNAs can also adopt a right-handed double helix structure and interact with ligand molecules. The structural information provides a platform for the design of topology specific Z-form-targeting compounds and is valuable for the development of new potent anticancer drugs.

Formaldehyde is generated via the biochemical and chemical pathways, and it widely exists in foods. Its chronic exposure causes carcinogenic, neurotoxic, reproductive, allergic, immunological, genetic and respiratory toxicities. However, food-sourced formaldehyde is usually neglected due to its rapid metabolism after intake. Compared with its residual level in processed foods, a large proportion of formaldehyde disappears because of its high reactivity. Nevertheless, its elimination reaction mechanism and the potential consequences remain unclear. In this review, the disappearing pathway of formaldehyde from two aspects, the formation of formaldehyde-derived toxins and aromas, was reviewed. This review article may help food scientists take appropriate strategies to use the beneficial reactions of formaldehyde or divert its harmful effects to beneficial ones.

For measuring time, distances and movements, including determining the location of ground objects using a global navigation satellite system using the triangulation method, high-precision generators of extremely accurately generated reference frequencies, as reference measures of frequency and time intervals, are extremely relevant. Along with those already approved as frequency and time standards, exemplary stable frequency signal generators are constantly being created, improved and researched, that is, prototypes of future frequency and time standards based on new principles. Model generators are also being created on known principles with additional measures to increase their accuracy. The most important stage in the creation of such standards and their prototypes is the study of the stability and accuracy characteristics of the resulting model generators. Traditionally, indicators such as the two-sample Allan variance are used for this, and even more often the square root of this value, called the Allan function, is used. Many publications report results in which the dependence of this function on the averaging time is given on a double logarithmic scale. A decrease in this value with increasing averaging time looks natural and is beyond doubt, however, the right branch of this graph very often begins to bend upward, which indicates that with increasing averaging time the Allan function increases. This fact cannot satisfy future users of these exemplary generators, since such an increase indicates that the frequency value they generate should not be trusted, because it turns out that over a long period of time the generated frequency can deviate from the required value very far, and the longer this time , the more this function can deviate. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the Allan function does not include offset, that is, such an important characteristic as frequency reproducibility, when in fact this characteristic should also be taken into account. This article offers a new vision and interpretation of the metrological characteristics of the accuracy, stability and reproducibility of the generated frequency of a model generator.

The global biodiversity crisis has emphasized the unique contribution of functional diversity to ecosystem function, stability, and resilience. In this regard, the increasing availability of remotely sensed data together with the development of new sensors and approaches has the potential to improve our ability to quantify and monitor ecosystem traits and functions at unprecedent spatial, temporal, and spectral scales. In particular, air- and spaceborne hyperspectral data are making possible the measurement of plant-level functional traits to investigate ecosystem function and functional diversity in novel ways. In this review we pose that these developments together with similar ones focusing on soils and lithologies can help us understand relationships between functional diversity, ecosystem processes, and landsliding, and more broadly the disturbance dynamics of mountainscapes. Acknowledging the challenges associated with mountainscapes, this review 1) synthesizes broad established methods to retrieve functional traits from remotely sensed data, 2) summarizes approaches derived from remotely sensed data to characterize functional diversity and its relationships with ecosystem functioning, and 3) elaborates on how these methods and approaches can provide a needed holistic view of landslides. This holistic view recognizes the critical role that interactions between ecosystem and geomorphic processes play in the dynamics of mountainscapes mediated by landslides and the contribution of ecosystem diversity and processes to landslide susceptibility and recovery. In this “ecosystem-centered” view of landslides it might be necessary to scale from individual landslides and sites to entire landslide populations, assemblages, and landscapes.

Cancer remains a one of a leading cause of death worldwide, and thus there is a need for the de-velopment of innovative and more effective treatment strategies. The aim of the study was to evaluate two types of nanoparticles – nanospheres and micelles obtained from PLA-based pol-ymers for discovering their potential for delivery of four types of phenothiazine derivatives. The morphology, drug loading properties, cytocompatibility, hemolytic properties and anti-cancer activity has been analyzed. The micelles exhibited significantly higher drug loading properties, release process and cytotoxic activity against cancer cells compared to the nano-spheres. The micelles containing 5-methyl-12H-quino[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazinium chloride with OH group as substituent in 10-position of the quinobenzothiazine ring showed the highest drug loading content, the most efficient drug release, the lowest hemolytic activity and the most sig-nificant cytotoxic effect against HeLa cells. The conducted study enabled to develop delivery system for the new anticancer compound and showed that the choice of drug carrier has a crucial effect on its cytotoxic potential against cancer cells.

The CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family that is highly expressed in B cells and a subset of T cells such as T follicular helper cells. Various types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer also express CXCR5; therefore, antibodies that specifically bind to CXCR5 could be useful for clarification of the mechanisms of cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to develop high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for flow cytometry against mouse CXCR5 (mCXCR5). The established anti-mCXCR5 mAb, Cx₅Mab-3 (rat IgG_2b, kappa), reacted with mCXCR5-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 (CHO/mCXCR5) by flow cytometry. Kinetic analyses using flow cytometry indicated that the dissociation constants (K_D) of Cx₅Mab-3 for CHO/mCXCR5 is 7.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ M, indicating that Cx₅Mab-3 is useful for detecting mCXCR5 by flow cytometry with high affinity.

Cloud computing has transformed IT services by making them more scalable and cost-effective. However, this shift has also introduced new security challenges that traditional methods are finding hard to tackle. This review paper looks at how combining machine learning (ML) with dynamic threat intelligence can improve cloud security — an approach that hasn’t been widely explored yet. By reviewing recent studies, we show that ML and threat intelligence can do more than just detect known threats. They can also adapt to new and evolving ones, making cloud systems much secure against cyber attacks. Our analysis highlights how this combined approach provides better protection and flexibility. We also identify some important gaps in the current research and suggest areas for future study to make these security systems even more effective. This review aims to provide useful insights for researchers, helping to build more proactive cloud security strategies.

This paper starts with an assumption, that there are strong strategic benefits in having boards with members of different backgrounds, experience, and particularly gender, which is reflected in better corporate governance. The central research question of this paper is: To what extent have Estonian listed companies complied with the requirements of the EU law on Gender Balance on Boards compared to other Nordic countries? In the case of Estonia, all listed companies on the Tallinn Stock Exchange are included in our sample. The authors purposely focus on developing ownership strategies to improve diversity on the boards of corporations with concentrated ownership structures, without regard to arguments that emphasize equal rights or a feminist agenda. The methodology part of the study analyses corporate governance in Estonia, followed by a comparative analysis of Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway) that have successfully increased female representation on boards, providing valuable insights for Estonia’s efforts to enhance gender diversity. The results of the current research are a valuable analytical resource for the Estonian business community, as well as for policymakers.

This research aims to develop top-emission OLEDs (Organic Light light-emitting diodes) that exhibit enhanced electro-optical properties regarding color purity, luminance, efficiency, stability, and longer lifetime. To achieve this aim, we have used silicon wafer substrates with a thickness of 675 m. Top-emission OLED fabrication on silicon wafer substrates requires careful material selection and layer configuration. This device structure is described as follows: Silicon/Al (100 nm)/ HATCN (10 nm)/ Dic-TRZ: Ir(mppy)3 (40 nm)/ TPBi (30 nm)/ LiF 1.2 nm / Al 19.9 nm. LiF/Al combination is used as the semi-transparent cathode. Research on top-emission OLEDs has demonstrated the importance of silicon wafer substrates in enhancing electro-optical properties. The optical properties of top-emission OLEDs are significantly influenced by factors such as the semitransparent cathode layer's thickness and the anode layer's surface roughness. Study findings encompass the impact of microcavity on TEOLEDs, dopant concentration on device performance, and device thermal conductivity and lifetime. To create a highly efficient top-emission OLED on a silicon substrate, we meticulously fine-tuned parameters such as the thickness of the cathode Al layer (19.9 nm), the organic layer thickness (HIL - HATCN 10 nm, HTL - NPB 30 nm, ETL - TPBi 30 nm, EML - DIC–TRZ: Ir(mppy)3 40 nm), and the dopant concentration. Electro-optical performance has been significantly improved through optimization, especially in devices with high dopant concentrations. The 38% dopant concentration experiments resulted in a peak current density of 201.97 mA/cm2, a luminance of 4776 cd/m2, and an efficiency of 2.36 cd/A at 9 V. In addition, the high dopant concentration has resulted in a narrow spectral range, indicating a strong microcavity effect. Additionally, Si-TEOLEDs were tested for lifetime under these specific conditions, exhibiting a half-life of 420 hours.

Background and objectives: In colorectal surgery, postoperative evisceration and incisional her-nia (IH) were noted after open procedures and at extraction incision (EI) sites used in laparoscopic resections. This systematic review investigates the efficacy and safety of prophylactic mesh clo-sure of midline laparotomy or EI closure in colorectal oncological and non-oncological resections. Methods: Literature databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct and Google Scholar, were searched for studies comparing the use of prophylactic mesh to conventional suture closure in colorectal operations, either in laparotomy closure in open surgery or EI closure in laparoscopic procedures, regardless of the indication; oncological and non-oncological. Primary endpoints were identified as incisional hernia (IH) and postoperative evisceration. Other outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), seroma formation and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and studied 1,398 patients, with 411 patients having prophylactic mesh insertion at the time of midline laparotomy or EI closure and 987 underwent conventional suture closure. The occurrence of IH was significantly reduced using mesh closure compared to suture closure (OR 0.23, P=0.00001), while there was no statistically significant dif-ference in evisceration rate (OR 0.51, P=0.25). Additionally, no notable difference was identified between both groups in terms of SSI (OR 1.20, P=0.54), postoperative seroma (OR 1.80, P=0.13), and LOS (MD -0.54, P=0.63). Conclusions: The use of prophylactic mesh on closing laparotomy incisions or EI for open and laparoscopic colorectal resections reduces the risk of developing IH. There were no significant safety concerns; however, further randomized trials may provide more robust results.

The advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) has significantly advanced natural language processing (NLP), yet their application to historical texts remains challenging due to archaic language, distinct terminologies, and varied contextual backgrounds. This study introduces Historical Domain Large Language Models, designed to bridge this gap by adapting LLMs for better comprehension and processing of historical data. Our approach leverages context-aware and task-specific prompts to enhance model performance in tasks such as named entity recognition (NER), sentiment analysis, and information extraction within historical contexts. We propose an iterative refinement process to improve prompt quality and model outputs continuously. Instruction tuning on newly collected evaluation data ensures our methods' efficacy, avoiding biases from previously used datasets. Evaluations using GPT-4 demonstrate significant improvements in handling historical texts, underscoring the potential of our approach to unlock profound insights from historical data. This work highlights the importance of tailored LLM adaptations for specialized domains, offering a robust framework for future research in historical NLP.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by almost every cell type and are considered as carriers of active biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. Their content can be up-taken and released into the cytoplasm of recipient cells, thereby inducing gene reprogramming and phenotypic changes in the acceptor cells. Whether the effects of EVs on the physiology of recipient cells are mediated by individual biomolecules or it is the collective outcome of the total transferred EV content, is still under debate. The EV RNA content consists of several types of RNA, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), the latter defined as transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, that do not code for proteins, but with important established biological functions. This review aims to update our insights on the functional roles of EV and their cargo non-coding RNA during cancer progression, to highlight the utility of EV RNA as novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in cancer, and to tackle the technological advances and limitations for EV RNA identification, integrity assessment and preservation of its functionality.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are widely used for contraception and the management of various gynecological conditions, offering significant benefits to women’s health. However, their use is associated with a range of potential health risks, including cardiovascular complications, certain cancers, metabolic disturbances, and psychiatric effects. Despite these serious risks, the adverse effects of OCPs are often underappreciated or neglected in both clinical practice and public perception. This review explores the physiological mechanisms behind these complications, discusses the scope of the problem, and highlights the need for greater awareness and personalized healthcare. It also examines alternative contraceptive methods that may offer safer options for women, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), barrier methods, fertility awareness, implants, injectables, and permanent solutions. The review calls for improved patient education, risk assessment, and research into new non-hormonal contraceptive options to reduce the dependence on OCPs and minimize associated health risks.

Peptic ulcers, characterized by mucosal erosion in the stomach or duodenum, continue to pose significant health challenges worldwide. This comprehensive review explores the pathophysiology of peptic ulcers, including the roles of Helicobacter pylori, acid secretion, and mucosal defense mechanisms. We examine key risk factors such as NSAID use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition. Advances in diagnostic techniques, including endoscopy, biopsy, and non-invasive tests like urea breath tests and stool antigen tests, are discussed, alongside recent improvements in molecular diagnostics and imaging. The review also covers current management strategies, focusing on pharmacological treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists, as well as surgical interventions for complicated cases. Emerging treatment modalities, such as novel drugs, probiotics, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, are highlighted. Additionally, the paper identifies future research directions, including the exploration of new therapeutic targets, enhanced diagnostic tools, and the impact of gut microbiota on ulcer formation. By integrating recent advancements and identifying gaps in current knowledge, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of peptic ulcers and inform future research and clinical practice.

Understanding the CO2 displacement mechanism in ultra-low permeability reservoirs is essential for improving oil recovery. In this research, a series of displacement experiments were conducted on sandstone core samples from the Chang 6 reservoir in the Huaziping area, using a multifunctional core displacement apparatus and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology under conditions of constant pressure, variable pressure, and constant effective confining stress. The results revealed that the distribution characteristics of pore structure in the rock samples were critical factors influencing CO2 displacement efficiency. Under the same conditions, cores with more large pores exhibited higher oil recovery. Though fractures can facilitate CO2 flowing through pores, but the confining pressure applied during displacement caused partial closure of fractures, resulting in reduced rock permeability. Based on the oil-to-gas ratio and oil recovery in the outlet section of fractured rock samples, the CO2 displacement process exhibited five stages of no gas，a small amount of gas, gas breakthrough, large gas channeling, and gas fluctuation. Although the displacement stage of different cores is different, it is in the breakthrough stage in the range of 2PV.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as an interface between the bloodstream and central nervous system. It limits the movement of molecules and immune cells, regulates the entry of nutrients, and removes waste products from the brain. The dysfunction of the BBB has been identified in Parkinson´s disease (PD) but the role of the BBB and endothelial cells (ECs) has not been well studied. LRRK2 G2019S mutation is the most common PD causing mutation with similar pathophysiology than in sporadic cases. How the mutation affects EC function has not been investigated previously in patient’s cells. In the study, we used iPSC-derived ECs from PD patients with the LRRK2 mutation as well as cells from healthy individuals. We report that PD ECs have higher levels of α-synuclein, altered mitochondrial respiration and response to inflammatory exposure, especially to TNFα. In addition, transcriptomic analysis showed upregulation of fatty acid synthesis related pathways in PD ECs and downregulation of lncRNA MEG3, both of which have been associated with PD. Altogether, PD ECs manifest some of the PD related hallmarks and are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of PD.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a severe and potentially fatal form of leishmaniasis, a disease classified under Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). VL primarily affects the internal organs, with symptoms ranging from chronic fever and weight loss to hepatosplenomegaly and anemia. The disease is transmitted by sandflies, with Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum being the primary pathogens. Despite various treatment options like liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine, challenges remain due to drug toxicity, high costs, and limited availability. Alternative therapeutic approaches, particularly those involving phytocompounds, offer promising potential for overcoming these limitations and improving outcomes for affected populations.

Background/Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower res-piratory tract infections in infants, particularly in vulnerable populations such as preterm new-borns and those with underlying health conditions. The approval of the RSVpreF vaccine for pregnant individuals offers a new strategy to reduce the burden of RSV-associated illness in newborns. The aim of this study was to assess RSV vaccination coverage among pregnant wom-en, identify factors contributing to vaccination hesitancy, and evaluate the knowledge of the bene-fits of vaccination among patients in Poland. Methods: The study was conducted on 668 re-spondents from Poland. The study utilized an original, anonymous questionnaire consisting of 23 questions, which was distributed via social media platforms from July 25 to August 1, 2024. Par-ticipants, including women who had recently given birth or were about to, were recruited through Facebook groups and Instagram. Results: We confirmed that responders with medical back-grounds had statistically greater knowledge about RSV than non-medical individuals. Addi-tionally, indivudals with medical medical backgrounds were more likely to receive the RSV vac-cination during pregnancy, as were patients who obtained vaccination information directly from their physician. Furthermore, a key finding was that patients who had previously received vac-cinations for other diseases, such as influenza and pertussis, were more likely to opt for RSV vac-cination. Conclusions: Vaccination against RSV during pregnancy is a crucial method for safe-guarding newborns from infection and its severe complications. Awareness of RSV and vaccina-tion rates among pregnant women remains low, necessitating educational initiatives and public health campaigns to improve coverage.

As the socio-economic landscape expands and tourism flourishes, the traditional earthen dwellings of Tuyugou Village, Turpan, Xinjiang, face significant challenges, including low energy efficiency and suboptimal living comfort, necessitating data-driven and scientifically robust renovation strategies. Existing renovation methods, however, often lack empirical support and rely heavily on subjective judgment from architects, thus hindering the effective preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. This research addresses the renovation of these traditional dwellings by employing the AHP method to systematically evaluate user requirements, with input from diverse stakeholders, including homeowners, tourists, experts, and government authorities. The study then applies the QFD method to construct a House of Quality, translating user needs into specific design attributes, followed by a comprehensive quantitative analysis for optimization. A novel multi-objective optimization model (MOP) is introduced, with materials as the central focus, addressing key aspects of engineering, culture, and energy conservation. The NSGA-II algorithm is utilized to generate optimal Pareto solutions. These solutions are further refined using the en-tropy-weighted VIKOR method, enabling objective decision-making that balances cultural preservation with contemporary needs, ultimately enhancing both living standards and tourism appeal. This study offers innovative renovation strategies for traditional dwellings in arid and semi-arid climates.

This paper examines the role of identity politics in the exclusion and statelessness of the Rohingya in Myanmar. Using an anthropological lens, the study explores how the Rohingya resist their marginalization through cultural practices and informal leadership within refugee camps in Bangladesh. The analysis, based on ethnographic fieldwork, draws on theories of homo sacer and cultural resistance to demonstrate how Myanmar’s exclusionary national identity has stripped the Rohingya of citizenship, exposing them to violence and displacement. Despite this, the Rohingya actively preserve their identity and assert political agency, offering a critical perspective on statelessness and resilience.

Mysticism has been an integral part of human society for ages. It involves both spirituality and religiosity. The former is associated with attaining higher states of consciousness without an essential belief in a supernatural power (or God), while the latter does. While there is plenty of speculative literature available on these topics, we instead focus on peer-reviewed scientific literature that is evidence-based. First, we briefly review technologies that can measure brain function. We make the case that concepts such as emotions and subjective experiences, which have long been considered outside the scope of objective scientific inquiry, are in fact amenable to objective scientific inquiry with technologies available today. To substantiate this point, we showcase scientific studies on spiritual aspects of mysticism such as meditation, mantra/chanting, and breath modulation. While we recognize that much of the research on these topics deals with their health benefits, we argue that associated brain changes are also conducive for attaining higher states of consciousness related to spirituality. Next, we present limited scientific literature on religiosity, dealing with its neural correlates, evolutionary biological origin, and usefulness for mental health. We close by arguing that the brain basis of mysticism cannot be seen in isolation from the body since these entities are intimately connected. We propose that future research should look at brain-body interactions and associated markers of mysticism using the latest technologies.

This stability analysis method is simply represented and understood on a Bode plot of two impedances without complex equations. The external impedance of the charging system is properly quantified and designed based on the stability criteria by analyzing.

The issue of degradation of drinking water quality has become a problem of great concern in Pakistan, and especially availability of water treatment facilities in the Sindh province of Pakistan is almost negligible, particularly in rural areas. And, the public has been using traditional methods to reduce the concentration of physic-chemical parameters in drinking water. Therefore this study was carried out to analyze the impact of a Clay-water cooler on physic-chemical parameters of drinking water. Analysis revealed that samples remained colorless, with the passage of time odor of water changed to a clayey odor; Turbidity increased with the passage of time and temperature decreased; the pH value of water increased initially and crossed the allowable limit but with time it was observed that pH of water decreased came under the limit; the concentration of EC, Cl, Ca, Total Hardness and TDS decreased for first 12 hours, but increased with increase in storage time. The value of Magnesium increased as storage time increased. Overall, it was disclosed that a Clay-water cooler has a positive impact on the quality of drinking water particularly if water is stored in a clay-water cooler for a time not longer than 8 hours.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling, affecting the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airways. Lanadelumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits plasma kallikrein, is approved for long-term prophylaxis (LTP) in HAE patients, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing disease burden. This study evaluated the real-world impact of lanadelumab on healthcare resource utilization, angioedema episode frequency, and quality of life (QoL) in adult HAE type 1 patients treated at the Allergy Department of Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife Spain. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients who iniciated LTP with lanadelumab between March 2021 and June 2024. Results confirmed a 75.27% reduction in hospital visits, and a 94.1% decrease in the average number of angioedema episodes during the study period. Additionally, the use of on-demand rescue medication (icatibant) was significantly reduced by 61% (p&lt;0.05), with HAEQoL scores improving from 62.2 to 99.5 points, and no significant adverse effects were reported. These findings indicate that lanadelumab effectively reduces healthcare resource utilization and angioedema episodes, while notably enhancing the QoL in selected HAE type 1 patients.

The study delved into the interaction between corn starch and ethyl maltol during innovative repeated-continuous heat-moisture treatment (RCHMT), and its impact on the quality of fried chicken nuggets. The results revealed that the complexation ratio of ethyl maltol in the corn starch-ethyl maltol complex remained stable, and the complex created dense microporous structures. Native starch and complex samples exhibited an A-type crystal structure, while the physical mixture sample showed a Ca-type. Additionally, the peak of C-O-H def., CH2 of the complex sample was red-shifted, and the hydrogen bond structure was enhanced. Moreover, the complex exhibited a higher resistant starch content and lower hydrolysis rate than the physical mixture sample. The starch-ethyl maltol formed by RCHMT is a non-inclusion complex. It has been shown to reduce oil absorption and enhance the crispness of fried chicken nuggets, matching that of commercial products. This finding provides a direction for the development of innovative coating powders.

The accumulation of space debris, including defunct satellites, rocket stages, and fragments, poses a severe threat to current and future space operations. Addressing this issue requires innovative approaches for active debris removal. This paper presents a new method for detumbling and deorbiting large, non-cooperative tumbling debris, such as those from Russian 'Kosmos 3M' launchers. We propose a detumbling device combining three harpoons with a nanosatellite, which attaches to debris and uses thrusters to reduce its angular velocity, facilitating subsequent removal. A high-fidelity coupled dynamics model of the system is developed to account for external disturbances and inertial changes due to fuel consumption. Additionally, an adaptive sliding mode control strategy with pulse-width pulse-frequency (PWPF) modulation is proposed to manage uncertainties and disturbances during the detumbling process. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, achieving successful detumbling within 4000 seconds.

Aim: This study aims to explore the collaborative networks in Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) research, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. By conducting a co-authorship network analysis, I investigate the structure and dynamics of scientific collaboration, identifying key researchers, institutions, and trends in the field. This analysis provides insights into how research collaboration has evolved and highlights the influence of international cooperation on the development of SGLT2 research.Method: The data were collected from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection and included 6,999 publications on SGLT2 research. Using Python (Version 3.10.5) in the PyCharm development environment (Software Version 2022.1.3), I analyzed both macro and micro-level network indicators. Macro-level indicators included network density, clustering coefficient, components, and average distance, while micro-level indicators included degree centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality. These metrics were used to assess the structure of the co-authorship network and identify key contributors.Result: The network analysis revealed significant changes in collaboration patterns over the study period. From 2000 to 2023, the network became more fragmented, with an increase in the number of research clusters and components. However, influential researchers, such as Zinman B. and Heerspink Hiddo J. L., consistently emerged as central figures in terms of both degree and closeness centrality. The analysis also highlighted the rise of international collaboration, particularly involving researchers from the United States, Europe, and Asia, with Japan playing a growing role in recent years.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that SGLT2 research collaboration networks have evolved considerably over the last two decades. The identification of key researchers and institutions provides valuable insights into the field's development, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in advancing SGLT2 research. These findings may guide future research strategies and promote further collaborative efforts.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a condition marked by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, resulting from impaired autonomic regulation of vascular tone and blood volume. This study investigates the prevalence, physiological mechanisms, and occupational risk factors for OH among high-risk professions in Nepal, such as traffic police, security guards, and shopkeepers. Using a cross-sectional design, participants were evaluated for blood pressure variability, autonomic function, and fluid balance. The findings reveal a high incidence of OH, linked to reduced baroreceptor sensitivity and impaired sympathetic activation due to prolonged standing and inadequate hydration. This study highlights the need for tailored clinical interventions and workplace modifications to mitigate OH in vulnerable occupational groups.

Spectroscopic techniques have emerged as crucial tools in the field of malaria research, offering immense potential for improved diagnosis and enhanced understanding of the disease. This re-view article pays tribute to the pioneering contributions of Professor Henry Mantsch in the realm of clinical biospectroscopy, by comprehensively exploring the diverse applications of spectro-scopic methods in malaria research. From the identification of reliable biomarkers to the devel-opment of innovative diagnostic approaches, spectroscopic techniques spanning the ultraviolet to far-infrared regions have played a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge of malaria. This re-view will highlight the multifaceted ways in which spectroscopy has contributed to the field, with a particular emphasis on its impact on diagnostic advancements and drug research. By leverag-ing the minimally invasive and highly accurate nature of spectroscopic techniques, researchers have made significant strides in improving the detection and monitoring of malaria parasites. These advancements hold the promise of enhancing patient outcomes and aiding in the global ef-forts towards the eradication of this devastating disease.

Hydrogen combustion in internal combustion engines is a strongly awaited technology on the way to carbon neutrality, but still with major challenges to takle. There are plenty of combustion anomalies like preignition, backfire, knock and lube oil ignition that come along with the technology, hence not yet controllable. To gain more knowledge about their origin, optical engines and CFD simulations are well established methods to investigate and develop knew combustion processes. Hydrogen’s wide flammability range and its short quenching distance bring new challenges. However, optical engines give the best insight into the real combustion behavior. Therefore, their understanding and proper modeling in the simulation is of great importance to calibrate the simulation models accurately. For optical engines there are diverging opinions on how to deal with their blow-by losses. Due to their lack of oil different sealing mechanisms exist and those seem to be crucial for the question on how or wether the blow-by has to be modelled. proposed a numerical multi-zone blow-by model whereas the opinion at is to neglect those losses.

This article takes the representative uncultivated riverfront internet-famous sites (the uncultivated RIFSs) in Changsha city, China as an example, to explore the internal mechanism of its formation, and finds out that they are closely related to "urban subculture" and "informality of urban public space". In terms of methodology, through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, this study investigates the behavioral characteristics of on-site visitors, overall perceptions and satisfaction of public spaces, and perceptions of spatial and humanistic elements of visitors. It also compares the online-offline differences of the spatial perceptions on the uncultivated RIFSs between this study and previous research, that is, instead of focus on the urban physical spaces, the online social media users pay more attention to their self-presentation. Meanwhile, the visitors place greater emphasis on the functionality, practicality, and experiential activities of the urban physical spaces. Finally, this article proposes the optimization strategies for the uncultivated RIFSs from two aspects: planning and governance, and public space design. Firstly, it is necessary to protect this special type of spaces, avoiding the binary opposition between "formal spaces" and "informal spaces”, achieving a gradual integration of "subculture spaces" and "mainstream culture spaces", and highlighting the city's inclusiveness. Secondly, human-centric space design should be demonstrated, that is, paying practical attention to people's diverse lifestyles and value needs, strengthening the composite utilization of riverside spaces to enhance diverse vitality.

This paper presents a new means to control the processes, which involve the electric energy conversion. Electric machines fed by electronic converters provide the useful power defined by the inner product of two generalized energetic variables: the effort and the speed. The novelty of the paper idea is to control the desired energetics variables by a direct Data Driven Control (DDC) law in terms of the pair effort, speed and corresponding voltage controls of the electronic converter. It must be mentioned that the same desired useful power might be obtained with different controls at different efficiencies. The regularization problem was solved by selecting from a knowledge database, the maximum efficiency operation points. Knowing a reasonable number of optimal efficiency operation points, an interpolative Radial Base Function (RBF) control was built up. The RBF algorithm can find by interpolation the optimal controls for any admissible operation points of the process. The control scheme developed for this purpose has an inner DDC loop, that perform the converter control based on measured speed and demanded torque by the outer loop which handles the speed. A comparison of the DDC with the Model Predictive Control (MPC) schemas highlights the advantages of the new proposed control.

As the global economy pays increasing attention to sustainable development and environmental protection, the role of green finance in promoting regional technological innovation is becoming more and more prominent. This study aims to analyse the impact of green finance on regional technological innovation and its mechanism of action, with special attention to the mediating effect of R&D inputs and the moderating role of regional characteristics. By analysing the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021 with fixed and mediated effect models, the results show that green finance significantly promotes regional technological innovation. R&D investment intensity partially mediates this effect, while regional innovation and entrepreneurship capacity plays a significant moderating role in this relationship. Specifically, regional innovation and entrepreneurship capacity reinforces the positive impact of green finance on R&D investment, but the marginal effect of R&D investment is reduced in regions with stronger innovation and entrepreneurship capacity. The findings provide a theoretical basis for formulating relevant policies to promote green finance development and sustainable innovation in regional economies.

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are gaining popularity due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, selecting appropriate gateways to connect these networks to external networks remains a key challenge. This paper presents a comprehensive review of gateway selection methods in WMNs, classifying them into network-centric, user-centric, and hybrid approaches. Key factors such as network topology, traffic volume, quality of service, and available resources are considered in evaluating these methods. The effectiveness of different strategies is assessed using metrics like throughput, latency, energy usage, and fairness. The impact of mobility, node heterogeneity, and security concerns on gateway selection is also explored. In addition to reviewing existing methods, the paper identifies research gaps and proposes future directions. Advanced methods that can adapt to changing network environments and support large-scale deployments are highlighted. This survey offers valuable insights for researchers and network designers to improve the efficiency and reliability of WMNs in real-world applications.

Implementing machine learning technologies in manufacturing environment relies heavily on human expertise in terms of domain and machine learning knowledge. Yet, the required machine learning knowledge is often not available in manufacturing companies. A possible solution to overcome this competence gap and let domain experts with limited machine learning programming skills build viable applications are digital assistance systems that support the implementation. At the present, there is no comprehensive overview over corresponding assistance systems. Thus, within this study a systematic literature review was conducted. Twenty-nine papers were identified and analyzed in depth regarding machine learning use case, required resources and research outlook. Six key findings as well as requirements for future developments are derived from the investigation. As such, the existing assistance systems basically focus on technical aspects whereas the integration of the users as well as validation in industrial environments lack behind. Future assistance systems should put more emphasis on the users and integrate them both in development and validation.

The use of artificial intelligence for political decision-making is in an early stage of development; however, there are several questions that arise about its current and hypothetical uses. These questions often come from areas of philosophy such as ethics, political philosophy, and logic. In this article, first, the theoretical approaches from which the current and hypothetical uses of artificial intelligence for political decision-making can be interpreted will be presented. These approaches include realistic politics, bureaucracy theory, and conflict theory. Then, the possible uses that artificial intelligence could have in politics, as well as the attempts that have already been made, will be discussed. Subsequently, the logical, ethical, and political problems that the use of artificial intelligence for political decision-making could cause will be outlined. Next, a basic experiment will be presented on what kind of political decisions artificial intelligence could suggest. Finally, the points previously discussed will be analyzed from the mentioned theories. The conclusion reached was that, at the present time, the use of artificial intelligence for political decision-making could align more with the approaches of Machiavelli, focusing primarily on achieving goals such as maintaining power, while downplaying moral dilemmas.

In submerged landscapes, distinguishing anthropogenic features versus natural ones, is often challenging. We have developed a set of criteria to validate the identification of submerged anthropogenic remains that include, examining the geological context, sea-level considerations, associated archaeological finds (including coastal survey), and documenting the broader archaeological context. Furthermore, our experience demonstrates that, while progress has been made in applying remote-sensing technologies to detect anthropogenic features on the seabed, there is no substitute for direct, visual assessment by an underwater archaeologist for verification of their anthropogenic status. We have applied these criteria to examine two published case studies detailing suspected anthropogenic stone features on the seabed in the Sicilian Channel. Our examination has led us to conclude that both localities are not anthropogenic features. The Pantelleria Vecchia Bank features represent natural outcrops on a submerged paleo-landscape that were shaped by depositional and erosional processes, during transgression and regression periods. The suspected Lampedusa cultic site, comprises natural features that are located on a submerged neo-landscape formed due to erosion and retreat of the coastal cliff since the Mid -Holocene, when sea level reached its present level.

Emerging research into the human microbiome, an intricate ecosystem of microorganisms residing in and on our bodies, reveals that it plays a pivotal role in maintaining our health, highlighting the potential for microbiome-based interventions to prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage a myriad of diseases. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of microbiome studies in enhancing our understanding of rare genetic epilepsy and related neurological disorders. Studies suggest that the gut microbiome, acting through the gut-brain axis, impacts the development and severity of epileptic conditions in children. Disruptions in microbial composition can affect neurotransmitter systems, inflammatory responses, and immune regulation, which are all critical factors in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. This growing body of evidence points to the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics or dietary modifications, as innovative approaches to managing epilepsy. By harnessing the power of the microbiome, we stand to develop more effective and personalized treatment strategies for children affected by this and other rare neurological diseases.

Autonomous navigation in dynamic environments presents a significant challenge for mobile robotic systems. In this paper, we propose a novel approach utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for multi-object detection in 3D space and 2D segmentation using Bird’s Eye View (BEV) maps derived from 3D LiDAR data. Our method aims to enable mobile robots to localize movable objects and their occupancy, crucial for safe and efficient navigation. To address the scarcity of labeled real-world datasets, a synthetic dataset based on simulation environment is generated to train and evaluate our model. Additionally, we employ a subset of the NVIDIA r2b dataset for evaluation in real-world. Furthermore, we integrate our CNN-based detection and segmentation model into a ROS2-based framework, facilitating communication between mobile robots and a centralized node for data aggregation and map creation. Our experimental results demonstrate promising performance, showcasing the potential applicability of our approach in future assembly systems. While further validation with real-world data is warranted, our work contributes to the advancement of perception systems by proposing a solution for multi-source multi-object tracking and mapping.

Nepal is witnessing a significant rise in obesity as traditional agrarian lifestyles give way to urbanization and sedentary behaviors. The dissolution of agriculture as a cultural practice has led to a reduction in daily physical activity, contributing to an alarming increase in non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. This article explores how Nepal can adopt new health-oriented cultural practices to combat obesity, drawing inspiration from the gym culture in the United States and the cycling culture in Europe. It advocates for the promotion of physical activity through community-based fitness programs, active transportation, and integrating exercise into educational curriculums. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of reviving traditional dietary practices and supporting mental well-being. The article underscores the need for government support in implementing policies and infrastructure that foster a culture of health, ensuring a healthier future for Nepal's population.

In today’s world of software development technologies, serverless cloud computing with microservices is a big deal. Microservices gives modularity, agility and scalability, while serverless allows to code without having to maintain any internal hardware infrastructure, so processes are streamlined and costs are reduced by 60% compared to traditional server based systems. In this paper we looked at the challenges of microservices and serverless architecture and how to address them. We analyzed existing architectures and proposed a conceptual framework that will give you a complete solution for building scalable and efficient cloud native applications that reduces costs by 30-50%, improves resource utilization by 15-20%. Cold start latency, a common issue in serverless computing is reduced by 25% using standardized optimization techniques. This paper also compares server based and serverless technologies on scalability, resource efficiency and cost. These findings will give you a serverless approach to cloud software development and supports the trend of architectural adoption so you can have more dynamic and efficient systems.

This study aimed to assess the contribution of organizational and management factors to the performance of Sidama Bunna Football Club. For this study, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study's target population were Sidama Bunna football club players, coaches and club managers (n=44) selected using a comprehensive sampling technique. Key informant interviews and questionnaires were used as instruments. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and multiple regression were used to analyze the data at the 0.05 significant level. The result shows that there was a strong positive significant relationship between club performance and human resource (r=0.774**, p&lt;0.01), materials resources (r= 0.697**, p&lt;0.01), finance (r= 0.765**, p&lt;0.001), strategic factors (r= 0.788**, p&lt;0.001), communication (r= 0.779**, p&lt;0.001), whereas there were no significant relationships between club performance and club structure (r=0.263, p&gt;0.05). The findings also confirmed that The R Square value of 0.794 indicates that 79.4% of the variance in club performance is explained by these factors, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers multiple dimensions. The Adjusted R Square of 0.760 further supports the model's robustness. The ANOVA results (F (6, 37) = 23.745, p &lt; 0.001) confirm the significant influence of these variables on club performance. In this combined model, Strategic Factors (B = 0.360, p = 0.002) and Finance (B = 0.196, p = 0.054) remain significant, reinforcing their critical roles. However, communication, structure, human resources, and materials resources are not statistically significant in this combined model, indicating that their influence may be overshadowed by the more dominant factors of strategic planning and finance.

In recent years, the contamination of aquatic environments by organic chemicals has become an increasing concern. To effectively remove toxic pollutants and biologically resistant compounds, a combination of advanced technologies must complement conventional methods. Indeed, among environmental pollutants, dyes such as methylene blue (MB), congo red and crystal violet persist in the environment because they are difficult to biodegrade. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are widely employed to treat various types of wastewaters, often in conjunction with bi-ological treatments. Among these technologies, heterogeneous photocatalysis stands out as one of the most extensively studied, with Titanium dioxide being the most researched photocatalyst due to its high photoactivity. In this study, Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthe-sized using both a green method, leveraging the natural properties of Aloe vera leaf extract, and a conventional approach. The resulting NPs were thoroughly characterized using XRD, TEM, and ζ-potential analysis. Their photocatalytic performance was assessed by measuring the degrada-tion of MB under UV light. The TiO2 NPs synthesized via the green method demonstrated a degradation efficiency of (50 ± 3) % after 180 minutes, significantly higher than the (16 ± 3)% achieved by NPs synthesized through the conventional route. Moreover, the reaction rate con-stant for the green-synthesized TiO2 NPs was found to be approximately five times greater than that of the conventionally synthesized NPs. These results open new scenario in the pollution removing strategy research.

Histia rhodope is an oligophagous pest that only feeds on Bischofia polycarpa. Recently, frequent outbreaks of H. rhodope have greatly impacted the urban landscape and people’s life. The taxonomic status and diffusion trend of H. rhodope were studied based on its mitogenome sequence and the MaxEnt model. The mitogenome stucture of H. rhodope has certain conserved character. The species of lepidopteran moths in each superfamily and family were monophyletic. The genetic distance between H. rhodope and Eterusia aedea was the closest (0.09). By 2050, the suitable habitat area of H. rhodope is expected to increase (71.63 × 104 km2). The centroid changes of the distribution of H. rhodope shifted from Anhui to Hubei province (distance shifted: 255.71 km). Climate factor like annual mean temperature, mean temperature of driest quarter, precipitation seasonality, and precipitation of coldest quarter affected the distribution of H. rhodope, and the suitable habitat of the host plant of biotic factor is the potential invasion area for its further spread. Our results revealed the taxonomic status of H. rhodope across lepidopteran moths, emphasized the risk of its spread and the important role of host plant, provided valuable molecular and ecological data for managing and monitoring H. rhodope.

Lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue, leads to swelling primarily in the extremities, though other parts of the body can be affected. This condition commonly arises following lymph node dissection, radiation therapy, or due to inherent defects in the lymphatic system. Effective management of lymphedema is crucial due to its impact on function and quality of life, with complete decongestive therapy (CDT) serving as the cornerstone of treatment. CDT, a multimodal approach involving manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skin care, and exercise, has been widely adopted. Research highlights the significance of early diagnosis and initiation of CDT to prevent irreversible lymphatic damage and worsening of symptoms. The predictors of successful outcomes in decongestive therapy include timely initiation of treatment, patient adherence to therapy regimens, and the comprehensive application of CDT components. Studies indicate that while all components of CDT are beneficial, the critical nature of compression therapy and exercise cannot be overstated, regardless of the MLD component's efficacy. Furthermore, recent inquiries into the impact of skin and fat tissue characteristics on the efficacy of decongestive therapy have yielded insightful findings. Increased skin thickness and adipose tissue accumulation, as measured by echogenicity and volumetric analysis respectively, have been shown to complicate the management of lymphedema. Particularly in advanced stages, where fibrosis and fat deposition are predominant, traditional CDT might require augmentation with more aggressive treatments like liposuction or advanced compression techniques. In this review we will discuss in detail how the success of decongestive therapy in lymphedema is influenced by multiple factors including the stage of lymphedema at diagnosis, the specific protocol employed, and individual patient factors such as skin and adipose tissue characteristics. Personalized treatment plans, early intervention, and consistent monitoring and adjustments based on patient response to therapy are essential for optimal management of this challenging condition. Further studies are warranted to explore the tailored approaches in lymphedema management, particularly in patients with significant changes in skin and subcutaneous tissue characteristics.

This work focused on demonstrating the use of dynamic time warping (DTW) as metric for the elementary effects computation in Morris-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA) of model parameters in multivariate dynamical systems. One of the challenges of GSA on multivariate time-dependent dynamics is the modeling of parameter perturbation effects propagated to all model outputs while capturing time-dependent patterns. The study establishes and demonstrates the use of DTW as metric of elementary effects across the time domain and the multivariate output domain, which are all aggregated together via the DTW cost function into a single metric value. Unlike the commonly studied coefficient-based functional approximation, and covariance decomposition methods, this new DTW-based Morris GSA algorithm implements curve alignment via dynamic programing for cost computation in every parameter perturbation trajectory, which captures the essence of “elementary effect” in the original Morris formulation. This new algorithm eliminates approximations and assumptions about the model outputs while achieving the objective of capturing perturbations across time and the array of model outputs. The technique was demonstrated using ordinary differential equation (ODE) system of a mixed-order adsorption kinetics, Monod-type microbial kinetics, and the Lorenz attractor for chaotic solutions. DTW as Morris-based GSA metric enables the modeling of parameter sensitivity effects on the entire array of model output variables evolving in time domain resulting to parameter rankings attributed to the entire model dynamics.

Polyurethanes (PUs) with self-healing at 20 °C, acceptable mechanical properties and high adhesion were synthesized by using blends of polycarbonate polyols of molecular weights 1000 and 2000 Da (CD1000 + CD2000). The structural, thermal, rheological, mechanical and adhesion (single lap-shear tests) properties of the PUs were assessed. The length of the polycarbonate soft segments and the interactions between them determined the self-healing ability, the mechanical properties and the adhesion of the PUs. PUs with higher CD1000 polyol content exhibited shorter self-healing times and dominant viscous properties due to a higher amount of free carbonate groups, significant carbonate-carbonate interactions and low micro-phase separation. As the CD2000 polyol content increased in the PUs, slower kinetics and longer self-healing times were obtained, and higher mechanical and adhesion properties as well, due to a dominant rheological elastic behavior, higher crystallinity of the soft segments and greater micro-phase separation. All PUs synthesized with CD1000 +CD2000 blends exhibited a mixed phase due to interactions between the polycarbonate soft segments of different lengths which favored self-healing and mobility of the polymer chains leading to an increase of the mechanical properties. The adhesion properties of the PUs were similar to the highest ones reported in the literature.

Reliable predictors of long-term all-cause mortality are needed for middle-aged and older populations. Previous metabolomics mortality studies have limitations, a low number of participants and metabolites measured, measurements mainly using nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, and the use only of conventional statistical methods. To overcome these challenges, we applied liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and measured > 1000 metabolites in the METSIM study including 10.197 men. We applied the machine learning approach together with conventional statistical methods to identify metabolites associated with all-cause mortality. The three independent machine learning methods (logistic regression, XGBoost, Welch’test) identified 32 metabolites having the most im-pactful associations with all-cause mortality (25 increasing and 7 decreasing the risk). From these metabolites 20 were novel and encompassed various metabolic pathways, impacting cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, and central nervous systems. In the In the Cox regression analyses (hazard rations and their 95% confidence intervals) clinical and laboratory risk factors increased the risk of all-cause mortality significantly by 1.76 (1.60-1.94), 25 metabolites by 1.89 (1.68-2.12), and 25 metabolites and clinical and labor-atory risk factors 2.00 (1.81-2.22). In our study the main causes of death were cancers (28%) and cardiovascular diseases (25%). We did not identify any metabolites associated with cancer but found 13 metabolites associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular dis-eases. Our study reports several novel metabolites associated with an increased risk of mortality and shows that these 25 metabolites improved the prediction of all-cause mor-tality beyond and above clinical and laboratory measurements.

Water treatment is one of the most research-challenging areas, and continuously requires the development of efficient sustainable materials for catalytic total mineralization of organic compounds. Herein, Moringa oleifera biomass was converted to "black gold" biochar loaded with ZnO nanoparticles (MOFB@ZnO) by slow pyrolysis, at 500 °C under an inert atmosphere, (MOFB@ZnO). This composite catalyst was used for the total degradation of Congo Red, a model organic pollutant. SEM confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles, while XPS and XRD indicated the presence of ZnO, primarily in the wurtzite crystalline structure. Optimization was conducted using the central composite design (CCD) method and STATISTICA 12.0 software. The composite catalyst was applied in the electrochemical degradation of Congo Red dye, using a platinum anode and a carbon felt cathode to generate H2O2 from O2 reduction. The ZnO-decorated Moringa oleifera biochar catalyst permitted to achieve of 98% removal of total organic carbon in less than 6h. It is 10-fold more efficient than pristine biochar and can be recycled up to 4 times without any significant loss. The process is highly efficient producing sustainable low-cost catalysts for water purification from organics, and contributes to sustainable chemical processes therefore addressing SDGs 6, 9, and 13.

Soil fauna is integral to facilitating material cycles, energy flows, and the conservation of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the impacts of forest development on the compositions and structures of surface soil macrofauna remain uncertain. Here, we assessed the dynamics in abundance and diversity of soil macrofauna across eight successional age stages of Metasequoia glyptostroboides tree plantations (7-, 16-, 21-, 26-, 31-, 36-, 41-, 46-year-old stands) in a reclaimed coastal land in China. The results revealed that the total abundance of soil macrofauna initially decreased during the young to near-mature stand period (7- to 31-year-old stands), whereas it increased along the age series, from the near-mature to overmature stand period (31- to 46-year-old stands). Specifically, the dynamics showed a U-shaped curve with stand development. Further, there was a significantly negative correlation between the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and the total abundance of soil macrofauna across this plantation chronosequence. The variations in abundance of detritivores were consistent with the total abundance of soil macrofauna during stand development. The abundance and diversity of the soil macrofauna were strongly correlated with the soil environment (e.g., soil organic carbon, litter biomass, and microbial biomass nitrogen). These findings highlight that the compositions and structures of soil macrofauna were significantly altered with M. glyptostroboides stand development. This provides important insights for studying the interconnection of above- and belowground plantation ecosystems toward their optimal management.

Current-induced field-free magnetic switching using spin-orbit torque has been an important topic for decades due to both academic and industrial interest. Most research has focused on introducing symmetry breakers, such as geometrical and compositional variation, pinned layer, and symmetry-broken crystal structures, which add complexity to the magnetic structure and fabrication process. We designed relatively simple magnetic structure, composed of a [Co/Pt] multilayer and a Co layer with perpendicular and in-plane magnetic anisotropy, respectively, with a Cu layer between them. Current-induced deterministic magnetic switching was observed in this magnetic system. The system is advantageous for its easy control of the parameters to achieve the optimal condition for magnetic switching. The balance between magnetic anisotropic strength and interlayer coupling strength is found to provide the optimal condition. This simple design and easy adjustability opens various possibilities for magnetic structures in spin-based electronics applications using spin-orbit torque.

Podoplanin (PDPN) overexpression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in various tumors. PDPN is involved in tumor malignant progression by promoting invasiveness and metastasis. Therefore, PDPN is considered a promising target of monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapy. Because PDPN also plays an essential role in normal cells such as kidney podocytes, cancer specificity is required to reduce adverse effects on normal cells. We developed cancer-specific mAbs (CasMabs) against PDPN, PMab-117 (rat IgM, kappa), by immunizing rats with PDPN-overexpressed glioblastoma cells. The recombinant mouse IgG2a-type PMab-117 (PMab-117-mG2a) reacted with the PDPN-positive tumor PC-10 and LN319 cells but not with PDPN-knockout LN319 cells in flow cytometry. PMab-117-mG2a did not react with normal kidney podocytes and normal epithelial cells from the lung bronchus, mammary gland, and corneal. In contrast, one of the non-CasMabs against PDPN, NZ-1, showed high reactivity to PDPN in both tumor and normal cells. Moreover, PMab-117-mG2a exerted antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in the presence of effector splenocytes. In the human tumor xenograft models, PMab-117-mG2a exhibited potent antitumor effects. These results indicated that PMab-117-mG2a could be applied to antibody-based therapy against PDPN-expressing human tumors while reducing the adverse effects.

Of particular interest is the serendipity of distinctive nonmetallic layered frameworks with the stoichiometry of 1:2 in the binary metallic compounds within inorganic chemistry and materials science. This not only gives rise to the unexpected properties, especially the distinguished superconductivity, as reflected in MgB2, MoB2, NaC2, LaP2 and CeP2, but also strengthens the cognition of the elemental contributions. Although various investigations on the superconducting performances in the alkali, alkaline-earth and rare-earth metal disilicides containing the silicon layers have been reported, the pursuit of superconductors with silicon-planar framework in transition metal disilicides remain unknown up to now. In the present work, crystal structure searches and first-principles calculations were thoroughly conducted in RuSi2 within the pressure range of 0-300 GPa to uncover the novel structures, incredible silicon building block and the amazing properties. The ground orthorhombic Cmca-RuSi2 phase at ambient pressure is a semiconductor with the band gap of 0.485 eV, whose hardness can reach 31.7 GPa. Even more intriguingly, the high-pressure orthorhombic Cmcm-RuSi2 configuration with the fabulous graphene-like silicon-layer, which can be theoretically stabilized with the transformation pressure of 50.97 GPa, can be unexpectedly recovered to ambient pressure. Electron-phonon coupling calculations unravels that it possesses the metallic trait with an estimated Tc value of 1.43 K at 75 GPa, which increases to 10.07 K under ambient pressure. The enhanced Tc stems from the increased density of states at the Fermi level and associated with the coupled vibrations between Ru and the planar Si layer. Meanwhile, the hardness value for Cmcm-RuSi2 is 26.8 GPa under ambient pressure, which further results from the three-dimensional covalent Ru-Si and Si-Si building blocks. The coexistence of superconductivity and high hardness in the Cmcm-RuSi2 configuration under ambient pressure will pave the way for delving into more binary transition-metal silicides and correlated ternary silicides with the profound silicon layers.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Intervention Model on improving community knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to ecotourism accessibility for people with disabilities in Ternate City, with a focus on addressing gaps in understanding and support through educational services and distribution of educational materials in the form of brochures with a participatory approach. The research design used a quasi-experiment involving 4,964 residents, where 287 participants were randomly selected through Cluster Random Sampling. Three tourist destinations were chosen as research locations, namely Sulamadaha Beach, Tolire Besar Lake, and Batu Angus Geotourism in Ternate City, North Maluku. The results showed that the intervention significantly improved community knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to ecotourism accessibility, with a significance value (Sig. (2-tailed) of 0.000 <α = 0.05) indicating a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group after community-based interventions were carried out. In conclusion, this model has been proven effective in improving community knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards ecotourism accessibility and can be used as a reference for similar programs in other locations to improve ecotourism accessibility globally.

The diagnosis of streptococcal throat infection is an area where current practice results in significant over diagnosis of bacterial infection with resulting implications for antimicrobial use and resistance. The use of molecular point of care (POC) testing has been shown previously to alter antibiotic prescribing decisions when compared to Centor scoring. In this study POC testing was shown to perform significantly better than FeverPAIN and McIsaac scores in the diagnosis of streptococcal throat infection providing further support for the use of Abbott ID NOW point of care testing to reduce antibiotic prescribing.

Objectives: The aim was to analyze clinical targets for lacosamide (LCM) blood levels in patients with focal epilepsy. Referring to the LCM optimal range will motivate us to think about the importance and usefulness of measuring its blood levels. Methods: A total of 101 patients (45 females, 56 males) were treated with LCM. Blood sampling was done 1 month after the start of oral medication (the levels reached steady state) if the LCM treatment had been continued and then 6 and 12 months after. The efficacy of LCM was evaluated by the reduction in the epileptic seizure rate (RR) at the time of blood sampling. The patients were classified as effective cases (seizure reduction rate ≥ 50%) and ineffective cases (&lt; 50%). The actual level, the calculated peak/trough levels, and the levels for each type of seizure were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: A positive correlation was seen between blood levels and dosage (r = 0.446). However, the blood levels and RR showed no correlation. The blood levels were higher in effective cases than in ineffective cases at all time points (measurement P &lt; 0.001, peak P = 0.013, trough P = 0.001). Because the range was set so that the effective and ineffective groups did not overlap, the optimal range of LCM was found to be 8.0–10.5 µg/mL. Conclusions: Measuring and calculating blood levels of LCM and adjusting the dosage to reach the optimal range are recommended. Moreover, the optimal range for LCM was determined as a therapeutic target.

In recent years, rapid urbanization has intensified the need for sustainable solutions to address growing demands on urban infrastructure, climate change, and resource constraints. As smart cities strive to enhance citizen experiences by improving infrastructure, increasing accessibility, and accelerating economic growth, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Metaverse offer transformative potential for developing sustainable urban environments. However, integrating AI with the Metaverse for sustainable smart city development remains underexplored amid data management and processing challenges, privacy, security, and technological integration. This study addresses this gap by reviewing advancements in AI and its role within the Metaverse's architecture in smart cities. It explores how AI enables data analysis, enhances user experiences through computer vision and natural language processing, optimizes connectivity with 6G and Edge AI, strengthens security through blockchain, and manages the creation of digital twins. Through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed publications and research projects, the review investigates how AI is integrated into key technologies to realize the Metaverse for sustainable smart cities. Specific applications in smart environments, mobility, energy, health, governance, and the economy are highlighted through AI-enabled use cases, offering a practical roadmap for implementing solutions to enhance citizens' quality of life, promote economic growth, and achieve sustainability. Lastly, future directions are discussed, addressing potential challenges by emphasizing interoperability and scalability and underscoring the need for robust data governance frameworks and AI ethics guidelines to address privacy, security, and ethical concerns. This approach aims to unlock the full potential of AI in enhancing the sustainability of smart cities within the Metaverse.

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and General Relativity (GR) are pillars of modern physics, each supported by extensive experimental evidence. QFT operates within Lorentzian spacetime, while GR ensures local Lorentzian geometry. Despite their successes, these frameworks diverge significantly in their estimations of vacuum energy density, leading to the cosmological constant problem—a discrepancy where QFT estimates exceed observed values by 123 orders of magnitude. This paper addresses this inconsistency by tracing the cooling evolution of the universe's gauge symmetries—from \(SU(3) \times SU(2) \times U(1)\) at high temperatures to \(SU(3)\) alone near absolute zero—motivated by the experimental Meissner effect. This symmetry reduction posits that \(SU(3)\) forms the fundamental "atoms" of vacuum energy. Our analysis demonstrates that the calculated number of \(SU(3)\) vacuum atoms reconciles QFT's predictions with empirical observations, effectively resolving the cosmological constant problem. The third law of thermodynamics, by preventing the attainment of absolute zero, ensures the stability of \(SU(3)\) vacuum atoms, providing a thermodynamic foundation for quark confinement. This stability guarantees a strictly positive mass gap, defined by the vacuum energy density, and implies a Lorentzian quantum structure of spacetime. Moreover, it offers insights into the origins of both gravity/gauge duality and gravity/superconductor duality.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression is an important aspect in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it becomes important to identify factors that may influence EGFR level. There are reports suggesting that one of the positive EGFR gene transcription regulators may be Special AT-rich Binding Protein 1 (SATB1), but so far these ob-servations have not been confirmed in NSCLC. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the possible links between the EGFR and SATB1 expression on both protein and mRNA levels in NSCLC clinical samples, and to correlate the obtained results with the clinical-pathological data of the patients. Additionally, we analysed the relationships between the expression levels of EGFR and the known tumour promoters, in-cluding Ki67 proliferative antigen and EMT-promoting transcription factors - SLUG, SNAIL, and Twist1. We demonstrated that EGFR expression in NSCLC was positively correlated both with the SATB1 level and with the expression of EMT-promoting proteins. Moreover, we were the first to analyse EGFR expression exclusively in NSCLC cancer cells without the interference caused by respiratory epithelium and tumour stroma. Our analysis revealed that the prognostic significance of EGFR expression was dependent on tumour histology and differed significantly between the AC and LSCC samples.

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a long-term condition, which is more common among people aged 65 years or more. People with Parkinson (PwP) tend to lose motor functions and find themselves in more fatigue and pain, sometimes leading to anxiety, distress and in extreme cases, even depression. So far, there is no cure for PD and they need support from family members, healthcare professionals and carers, as the disease progresses. A large proportion of carers for PwP are their spouses. Progression of PD can result in loss of employment, reduced work hours or premature retirement, for both PwP and their carers. This poses a huge financial burden as income reduces on one hand, and expenses increase on the other. There is a lack of evidence on the societal costs of Parkinson's disease, and this study tries to fill that gap. Objectives: To examine the impact of financial distress on quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing of PwP and their carers in the UK. Methods: A mix of online and postal, cross-sectional survey was administered, which received responses from 853 respondents, out of which 776 were PwP and 546 were carers. The survey sought data on management of the socioeconomic, health and living conditions of PwP and their carers. Net effect of financial distress (cost of healthcare use, non-health expenditure, societal costs and other direct / indirect cost components) on QoL (and VAS scores) as well as wellbeing scores (life satisfaction and happiness scores) of PwP and their primary carers are estimated using simple linear regression models. Results: Financial burden of treatment increase whereas quality of life and wellbeing of PwP decrease with progression of PD. Similar association but of a milder magnitude is observed on quality of life of their primary carers. A strong negative association is found between quality of life of PwP, with financial burden, while holding for demographic and socioeconomic factors, and for disease progression and treatment. The QoL of carers increase up to a financial burden threshold, before it starts declining. This could be because of the increased expenditure in initial phases is associated with improved activities of daily living and lesser reliance on carers. Financial distress is more pronounced among PwP having annual household income below £20,000. Despite a small representation of persons from ethnic minority (5 per cent representation), it is observed that the impact of financial distress could be more pronounced on PwPs from other ethnicities. Also, it would be more on women than on men, irrespective of ethnicity. Conclusion and Policy Implications: Cost of care cuts both ways, reduced or lost employment as well as increased expenses on healthcare. This results into a considerable financial distress and deterioration in quality of life and wellbeing of both PwP and carers. Most carers are spouses of PwPs, thus their physical and psychological health and wellbeing is found to deteriorate with the progression of PD due to increased burden of care. Therefore, informal / family carers should get support in the form of respite care. This can help revitalise their energy and psychological wellbeing. Financial distress indicators need to be explored further.

Ariel (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is the ESA Cosmic Vision M4 mission, selected in March 2018 and officially adopted in November 2020 whose launch is sched-uled by 2029. It aims at characterizing the atmospheres of hundreds of exoplanets orbiting nearby stars by low-resolution primary and secondary transit spectroscopy. The Ariel spacecraft's opera-tional orbit is baselined as a large amplitude, eclipse-free halo orbit around the second Lagrangian (L2) point, a virtual point located at about 1.5 million km from the Earth in anti-Sun direction, as it offers the possibility of long uninterrupted observations in a fairly stable radiative and ther-mo-mechanical environment. A direct escape injection with a single passage through the Van Allen radiation belts is foreseen. During both the injection trajectory and the final orbit around L2, Ariel will be immersed in and interact with Sun radiation and the plasma environment. These interac-tions usually result in the accumulation of net electrostatic charge on the external surfaces of the spacecraft, leading to a potentially hazardous configuration for the nominal operation and sur-vivability of the Ariel platform and its payload, as it may induce harmful electrostatic discharges (ESDs). This work presents the latest results collected from surface charging analyses conducted using the SPIS tool of the European SPINE community along the GEO insertion orbit segment and operational orbit.

The Digital Bangladesh initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a digitally advanced, economically competitive, and socially inclusive nation. This term paper explores the multifaceted causes and effects of the initiative, including the roles of government policies, economic imperatives, social factors, and technological advancements. The initiative leverages emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things to drive innovation, improve public service delivery, and enhance quality of life. Economic growth, improved governance, enhanced social inclusion, and environmental sustainability are key outcomes of this digital transformation. However, challenges such as cybersecurity threats, the digital divide, and infrastructural constraints must be addressed to sustain progress. Looking forward, the future prospects of the Digital Bangladesh initiative are promising, with potential for significant advancements in various sectors. By prioritizing strategic policymaking, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring sustainability and resilience, Bangladesh can realize its vision of becoming a Digital, prosperous, and inclusive nation.

Test plants or laboratory prototypes are essential for the development of training activities in engineering. In the area of automation and control, in particular, equipment that model to a high degree those generally found in industrial processes is required, allowing engineers in training to be in permanent contact with the challenges of the context in which they work. This paper presents the design and simulation of a fly cutting plant for use in academic environments. In the design, a 3D model was built in SketchUp, considering features present in industrial plants. The simulation of the system was developed in MATLAB through a mathematical modeling of the plant. The main contribution of the work carried out was the design of a low-cost and small-dimension industrial prototype, which includes a conveyor belt and a continuous cutting mechanism through which large-scale industrial processes can be known and operated. As results, performance tests were performed in tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Code Composer Studio. After the operation, the operation and cutting tests were implemented using a classical control technique. Additionally, all the design features of a flying cutting plant, which can be easily implemented for the development of process control-oriented activities, are presented.

This perspective describes the current status and future prospects of developing long- to ultralong-acting anti-obesity peptides. First, we review the current status of lipidation, PEGylation, and Fc fusion technologies to obtain long-acting peptides administered once weekly. Next, we describe the approach and current results of using macromolecular peptide prodrugs with pre-programmed releasable linkers to achieve longer-acting peptides that can be administered weekly or monthly. Finally, we posit novel modifications of the latter technology that could provide ultralong half-lives of over one month by advantageously exploiting the clearance rates of released peptides. As examples, we posit that prodrugs of low-clearance GLP-1 agonists derived from peptides already modified by lipidation, PEGylation, and Fc fusion could produce ultralong-acting agonists with dosing intervals reaching 3 to even 6 months.

In this study, we demonstrate a proof of principle of an all-fiber random laser due to the plasmonic effect. This was achieved in a fiber co-doped with Bismuth/Aluminum/Yttria/Silver in which a microsphere (microcavity) at the fiber’s tip was made using a splicing machine. The presence in the fiber of Bismuth- and silver nanoparticles along with Bismuth-Aluminum phototropic centers stands behind the observed phenomenon. The effect can be attributed to in-pair functioning of this unit as an active medium and volumetric plasmonic feedback, with the result being lasing at 807 nm under 532-nm pumping with notably low (~2 mW) threshold.

Rehabilitation of patients with atrophic maxilla is a challenge in dentistry. However, zygomatic bone is not affected by alveolar bone resorption and could be used to fix implants, but surgical intervention for placing zygomatic implants, with devices currently available on the market, is a challenging and arduous task. The aim of this paper is present a new design device to zygomatic anchorage. The following clinical case an oral rehabilitation of a patient with three-dimensional bone deficiency of the posterior region of maxilla through Facco technique, which uses a new system for zygomatic anchorage, from placement of conventional implant associated with Pilar Z. The new system anchorage facilitated the zygomatic implant installation. Facco surgical technique is a viable alternative to rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla through zygomatic implant.

This retrospective study assessed anatomical characteristics of cervicomedullary compression in children with achondroplasia. Twelve anatomical parameters were analyzed (foramen magnum diameter and area; myelon area; clivus length; tentorium and occipital angles; brainstem volume outside the posterior fossa; and posterior fossa, cerebellum, supratentorial ventricular system, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid, and fourth ventricle volumes) from sagittal and transversal T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 37 children with achondroplasia aged ≤ 4 years (median [range] 0.8 [0.1–3.6] years) and compared with scans from 37 children without achondroplasia (median age 1.5 [0–3.9] years). Mann-Whitney U testing was used for between-group comparisons. Foramen magnum diameter and area were significantly smaller in children with achondroplasia compared with the reference group (mean 10.0 vs. 16.1 mm [p &lt; 0.001] and 109.0 vs. 160.8 mm2 [p = 0.005], respectively). The tentorial angle was also steeper in children with achondroplasia (mean 47.6 vs. 38.1 degrees; p &lt; 0.001), while the clivus was significantly shorter (mean 23.5 vs. 30.3 mm; p &lt; 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in myelon area, occipital angle, fourth ventricle, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid and supratentorial ventricular volumes, and the volume of brainstem protruding beyond the posterior fossa (all p &lt; 0.05). MRI analysis of brain structures may provide a standardized value to indicate decompression surgery in children with achondroplasia.

Thermal convection induced by Joule heating in weak electrical conducting liquid such as molten salts with symmetric thermal boundary conditions is investigated using linear stability analysis. We show that the effect of the magnetic field consists on the delay of the threshold of thermal convection and show that for intense magnetic field, the size of thermoconvective rolls increases. Analysis of the budget of the perturbations kinetic energy reveals that the Lorentz force contributes to the dissipation of the kinetic energy.

Background/Objectives: With breast cancer (BC) survival improving due to optimized therapy, enhancing quality of life has become increasingly important. Both diagnosis and treatment, with their potential side effects, pose risks to mental well-being. Our study aimed to analyze the incidence and potential risk factors for mental disorders in BC patients. Methods: This retrospective analysis used claims data from AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, including 11,553 BC patients diagnosed via ICD code C50 between 2010 and 2020 and 31,944 age-matched controls. Patients with mental disorders in the 12 months prior to diagnosis were excluded. Mental disorders were categorized into eight groups based on ICD codes: anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment disorder, dissociative disorder, hypochondriac disorder, affective disorder, mania, and other neuroses. Results: Mental disorders were significantly more common in BC patients than in controls (64.2% vs. 38.1%, p<0.01, OR 2.91). In particular, hypochondriac, anxiety, affective, and adjustment disorders occurred significantly more often in BC patients. No differences were found for mania, bipolar disease, other neuroses, obsessive-compulsive- and dissociative disorder. Furthermore, endocrine therapy was associated with psychological comorbidities (OR 1.69, p<0.001), while primarily metastasized patients (Stage C) had a lower risk than adjuvant patients in stage A (OR 0.55, p<0.0001). Regarding surgical treatment, mastectomy patients showed lower rates of mental illnesses (61.2%) than those with breast-conserving treatment (71.6%) or especially breast reconstruction (78.4%, p<0.01). Breast reconstruction was also associated with more hypochondriac (p<0.01) and adjustment disorders (p<0.01). Conclusions: So, BC patients experience significantly more mental disorders than controls, particularly, when treated with endocrine therapy and breast reconstructive surgery.

The reasonableness and accuracy of engineering design are often assessed through the use of a variety of structural design analysis software, which are then compared and verified. However, it is challenging for a single analysis software to meet the diverse and complex design requirements. In order to meet the specific engineering requirements, it is necessary to convert the MIDAS result model into an ANSYS structural model and conduct a nonlinear analysis and simulation in ANSYS. Nevertheless, the existing interface is unable to facilitate direct conversion of the model. Accordingly, this paper presents a Python-based ANSYS APDL program that enables the complete conversion of MIDAS GEN structural models to ANSYS finite element models. The program is capable of converting a range of data, including material, section, element, connection, load, node mass, constraint, time history function, and so forth. The program is capable of converting specific connection units, including elastic and general connection units. Additionally, the beam-column section direction, beam end freedom release, rigid element, and special anti-rocking structure of the structure can be considered. Ultimately, the theatre model is transformed. Following a comparison of the analysis results, it was found that the mass and mode of the model before and after the transformation were essentially identical. The maximum error of the first six orders of the structure is 2.95%, with the structural displacement under gravity load remaining essentially unchanged. The research and analysis demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the MIDAS GEN conversion ANSYS program. The conversion program significantly reduces the time required for direct modeling in ANSYS, enhancing work efficiency. The study has considerable practical significance for the seismic sway design and analysis of buildings based on vibration isolation design.

Prigogine’s 1978 concept of dissipative structures, drawing parallels with living systems, forms the basis for exploring life’s unique traits. However, these identified similarities prove insufficient in capturing the entirety of life. To address this gap, our proposed modeling approach emphasizes the distinctive ability of living organisms to observe other systems—an attribute intricately tied to quantum mechanics’ "measurement" processes, as highlighted by Howard Pattee. This article introduces a comprehensive mathematical model centered on quantum dynamical dissipative systems, portraying living systems as entities defined by their observational capacities within this framework. The exploration extends to the core dynamics of these systems and the intricacies of biological cells, including the impact of membrane potentials on protein states. Within this theoretical structure, the model is expanded to multicellular living systems, revealing how cells observe quantum dynamical systems through protein state changes influenced by membrane potentials. The conclusion acknowledges the current theoretical status of the model, underscoring the crucial need for experimental validation, particularly regarding the superposition state of membrane proteins under the influence of an electric field.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, particularly among athletes, leading to significant functional impairment, prolonged rehabilitation, and an elevated risk of secondary complications. The ACL plays a critical role in knee stabilization, and its rupture initiates a cascade of molecular and neuromuscular changes that disrupt joint stability and motor control. One of the primary consequences of an ACL injury is the onset of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI), a neurological phenomenon characterized by reduced voluntary muscle activation, particularly in the quadriceps, resulting from altered afferent feedback, nociceptive inputs, and local inflammatory responses. The acute phase is dominated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which propagate local inflammation, sensitize nociceptors, and disrupt both spinal and supraspinal motor pathways. This leads to central and peripheral sensitization, exacerbating AMI and impairing rehabilitation. As the injury progresses, an anti-inflammatory shift marked by IL-10 and IL-4 promotes tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. However, dysregulation in this transition can result in chronic inflammation and fibrosis, further complicating recovery. Understanding the temporal dynamics of these molecular mediators is essential for developing targeted interventions. This review explores the complex interplay between cytokine profiles and neuromuscular adaptations post-ACL injury, highlighting potential therapeutic targets and personalized rehabilitation strategies that could optimize functional recovery and mitigate long-term complications.

Neonatal mortality rates in developing countries are influenced by a complex array of factors. Despite advancements in healthcare, Angola has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant contributors including premature birth, intrapartum events, tetanus, and sepsis. This study aimed to identify the primary causes and contributing factors of neonatal mortality among infants admitted to the Neonatology Service at DBPH in Luanda from May 2022 to June 2023. A retrospective matched case-control design was employed, pairing each neonatal death with two surviving neonates based on age and sex. The analysis included 318 newborns, of whom 106 experienced hospital deaths. A stepwise binary logistic regression model was used to examine associations between variables and neonatal mortality. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate model. Significant factors associated with neonatal mortality included: a low Apgar score at 1 minute (< 7) (OR 2.172; 95% CI: 1.436–4.731); maternal age under 20 years (OR 3.746; 95% CI: 2.172–6.459); home delivery (OR 1.769; 95% CI: 1.034–3.027); and a short hospital stay of ≤ 48 hours (OR 2.791; 95% CI: 1.183–6.587). Addressing these issues requires urgent interventions, including improving Apgar score management through enhanced training for healthcare professionals, supporting young mothers with intensified maternal education, ensuring deliveries occur in appropriate healthcare settings, and improving universal health coverage and referral systems. These measures could be crucial for enhancing neonatal care and reducing mortality.

The Lake Faro brackish basin (Sicily, Italy) was established Global Geosite as key locality of tectonic coastal lakes, but few were the research devoted this rare geological and ecological framework. To fill this gap, the main stratigraphical, sedimentological, ecological, morpho-bathymetric, and structural features were reported here first, linking geodiversity with biodiversity. In Lake Faro a shallow platform develops alongside a deep funnel–like shaped basin, reaching a maximum depth of 29 m. A NNW-SSE trending steep cliff, representing the abrupt transition from the platform to the basin, was interpreted as a dextral transtensive fault (Faro Lake Fault), presumably active since the late Pleistocene. The switches of the steep cliff NW-wards, acquiring a E-W trend, was interpreted as due to the occurrence of the Mortelle normal Fault, cut by the Faro Lake Fault. Abiotic bottom deposits consisted of coarse- to fine-grained quartzo–lithic rich sediments deriving from high grade metamorphic and igneous rocks, whereas the biotic component mainly consisted of bioclasts de-riving from clam farming actives for some centuries since today. The Quaternary shallow platform, from top to base includes: i) soft cover composed of coarse abiotic and prevalent biotic deposits; ii) hard conglomerates cemented by carbonates; iii) siliciclastic coarse deposits of the Messina Fm. In the deep basin, siliciclastic silty loams with minor amounts of biotic coarse deposits prevailed in the soft cover. The lake, exploited since the prehistoric age because of its high biodiversity and productivity, maintains some evidence of millennial relationships with the resident human cul-tures, there attracted by the favorable geomorphological and ecological peculiarities.

This article presents an evaluation of the environmental impact of forestry based on landscape theory. It has been argued that this type of forestry offers a positive impact on the climate because there is a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and the absorption of these gases within an entire forested area. However, this analysis will demonstrate that the arrangement and composition of managed forests are linked to a significant carbon debt. This debt represents the disparity between the carbon that would typically be stored in a natural forest and the actual amount of carbon stored in the managed forest. While this excess carbon remains in the atmosphere rather than being sequestered, it contributes to the greenhouse effect. Using the Swedish forestry as an example, the carbon debt is estimated to be comparable in scale to the total accumulated fossil fuel emissions of the country.

An ellagitannin-derived metabolite Urolithin A (UA) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial function-improving properties, but its efficacy in protecting against ER stress remains underexplored. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cellular organelle involved in protein folding, lipid synthesis, and calcium regulation. Perturbations in these functions can lead to ER stress, which contributes to the development and progression of metabolic disorders such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). In this study, we identified a novel target protein of UA and elucidated its mechanism for alleviating palmitic acid (PA)-induced ER stress. CETSA-LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that UA binds directly to the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), an important regulator of calcium homeostasis in mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). As an agonist of SERCA, UA attenuates abnormal calcium fluctuations and ER stress in PA-treated liver cells, thereby contributing to cell survival. In addition, UA inhibits PA-induced mitochondrial ROS and lipid accumulation, further supporting its protective role. The lack of UA activity in SERCA knockdown cells suggests that UA regulates cellular homeostasis through its interaction with SERCA. Collectively, our results demonstrate that UA protects against PA-induced ER stress and enhances cell survival by regulating calcium homeostasis in MAM through SERCA. This study highlights the potential of UA as a therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders associated with ER stress.

The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) together with the poor effectiveness of the available therapeutic treatments, make an early diagnosis and an effective screening of utmost relevance. Liquid biopsy represents a potential novel approach for early HCC detection and monitoring. The identification of blood markers has many desirable features among which the absence of any significant risk for the patients, the possibility to be used as screening tool and to perform multiple tests thus allowing a real-time monitoring of HCC evolution. Unfortunately, the available blood markers of HCC have several limitations mostly related to specificity and sensitivity. In this context, the employment of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may represent an interesting and novel diagnostic approach. ncRNAs which includes among others, micro interfering RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), regulate human gene expression via the interaction with their target mRNA. Notably, their expression can be altered in HCC thus reflecting the diseased status. In this review, we discuss some noticeable works, which describe the use of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNA as HCC biomarkers. Despite some open aspects related to ncRNA use, the presented works strongly support the potential effectiveness of these molecules as diagnostic/prognostic markers for HCC.

In this paper we propose and study in the setting of a Hilbert space an averaged Halpern type algorithm for approximating the solution of a common fixed point problem for a couple of nonexpansive and demicontractive mappings with a variational inequality constraint. The strong convergence of the sequence generated by the algorithm is established under feasible assumptions on the parameters involved. In particular, we also obtain the common solution of the fixed point problem for nonexpansive or demicontractive mappings and of a variational inequality problem. Our results extend and generalize various important related results in literature that were established for the pairs (nonexpansive, nonspreading) or (nonexpansive, strongly quasi-nonexpansive) mappings. Numerical tests to illustrate the superiority of our algorithm over the ones existing in literature are also reported.

Many designs for natural convection heat sinks, and semi-empirical correlations have been proposed in the recent years, but they are only valid in a limited range of Elenbaas number $El$ and were mostly tested for laminar flows. To alleviate those limits, parametric studies with 2D and quasi-3D models were carried out with ranges of Grashof numbers up to $1.55 \cdot 10^{11}$ and Elenbaas numbers up to $3.42 \cdot 10^7$. Ansys Fluent’s laminar, transition-SST, SST k-$\omega$, and k-$\epsilon$ models were applied. In addition, when used in this valid range, \textit{i.e.} mean Elenbaas numbers, with the simplified quasi-3D model, the transition-SST model can predict better results, over-estimating the heat flux by $10$ to $15\%$ compared to semi-empirical correlations. The 2D model was not deemed satisfying regarding turbulence models. Consequently, a quasi-3D model was developed: it appeared to be an efficient trade-off between computational time and prediction accuracy, in particular for turbulence models. New grouping factors were also found, to ensure proper dimensioning of natural convection heat sinks. They correspond to non-dimensional parameters that dictate the physical behaviour of the heat sink with respect to the semi-empirical correlations. Typically, the ratio of the spacing to the optimal spacing predicted by Bar-Cohen's correlation turned out to be an appropriate grouping factor with a threshold of $1$, above which the fins could safely be considered as isolated, thus greatly simplifying all further calculations.

Diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid (DLT) is a rare condition characterized by the infiltration of thyroid parenchyma with mature adipose cells, replacing normal follicular structure. Though uncommon, it often presents as neck swelling or compression symptoms such as dyspnea, dysphagia, and hoarseness, complicating diagnosis. This case study details a 61-year-old female patient with DLT, who presented with a multinodular goiter and progressive neck swelling, and reviews 53 additional cases from the literature. The review reveals that DLT is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping features with other thyroid pathologies. The exact pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear, but hypotheses include tissue hypoxia, embryological malformations, or lipid metabolism disturbances. Surgical excision is the most common treatment, particularly for symptomatic patients, yielding positive long-term results. Future research should focus on clarifying DLT’s exact etiology and improving diagnostic accuracy, especially in differentiating it from other fat-infiltrated thyroid lesions such as amyloid goiter and adenolipomas. Enhanced understanding will guide better management strategies and improve patient outcomes in this rare yet significant thyroid disorder.